P11D forms don't get them wrong

HMRC have published a list of common errors in the completion of forms P11D and guidance that medical benefits for lower paid employees are not reportable. The information is part of the lengthy Employer Bulletin so we have reproduced the guidance below.

'Common Mistakes

The following is a list of common errors which are easily avoidable but can delay processing and cause problems with employees' tax codes each year:

Submitting duplicate P11D information on paper where P11D information has already been filed online to ensure 'HMRC have received it'. These duplicates can cause processing problems

Using a paper form that relates to the wrong tax year - check the top right hand corner of the first page

Not ticking the 'director' box if the employee is a director

Not including a description or abbreviation, where amounts are included in sections A, B, L, M or N of the form

Leaving the 'cash equivalent' box empty where you've entered a figure in the corresponding 'cost to you' box of a section

Not correctly completing the declaration on the final FPS/EPS submission (for those employers operating PAYE in 'real time') or the box in Part 5 of form P35 (Employers Annual Return) to indicate whether or not P11Ds are due

Where a benefit has been provided for mixed business and private use, entering only the value of the private-use portion - you must report the full gross value of the benefit

Not completing the fuel benefit box/field where this applies. This means an amended P11D has to be sent in

Incorrectly completing the 'from' and 'to' dates in the 'Dates car was available' boxes. For example entering 06/04/2013 to 05/04/2014 to indicate the car was available throughout that year. If the car was available in the previous tax year, the 'from' box should not be completed and if the car is to be available in the next tax year, the 'to' box should not be completed i.e. left blank.'

The Employer Bulletin also includes guidance on a common error relating to the incorrect completion of a form P9D in relation to private medical insurance provided to lower paid employees. The HMRC guidance states:

'Are You Completing P9D's Needlessly for Employees in Receipt of Medical Benefit?

Do you know that if your employees earn less than the rate of £8,500 AND you arrange and pay the provider directly for the treatment or insurance a P9D does NOT need to be completed.